Ameris Bank to reduce, eliminate certain overdraft fees

Atlanta-based Ameris Bank announced it will eliminate nonsufficient funds/return item fees traditionally incurred for checks or payments that cannot be processed due to a lack of funds.

The bank will also eliminate extended overdraft fees for maintaining a negative balance. Additionally, customers will be able to use savings or other deposit accounts as overdraft protection for checking accounts without transfer charges.

For overdraft situations not covered by the changes, a $35 fee will apply, but the maximum number of overdraft fees the bank can charge a consumer will be reduced to three from five.